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What best prepares a firefighter for the job? Classroom lectures? Experience through on-the-job training? Both? Neither? Each option has its proponents and its opponents. There have been discussions (and at times, heated debates) about experience versus credentials at firehouse kitchen tables all over the country for years. What we are really talking about is training. What training method works best? What ...

Firefighters don't get into public service and risk their lives for the money, but some firefighters do earn more in certain locations due to demand. FireLink did the research and found five states that pay top dollar for firefighters. Next page: Highest Paying States for Firefighters [page] Highest Paying State #5 Nevada Annual Mean Wage: $56,250 There are 2,030 firefighters ...

Firefighters control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. The following estimates are a guide to help you navigate, state by state, the fire and rescue employment gauntlet. h4. +Top Five Best-Paying Firefighting Jobs By State+ (_*These stats are based off of mean salaries ending in the year 2009_) State Hourly ...

In this "Kitchen Table Debrief" I will talk about the way we communicate and the efforts to make what we say clear at a scene and on the radio. How Do You Say "Get Out"? When you need to move people out of a building, or you want your people (firefighters) to withdraw from a building because you have changed strategies, ...

It began as a normal job Fire showing, second floor We set out to begin our tasks Like a thousand times before Nothing special about this house Just two and a half story wood In through the back door Adjusting pacs, gloves and hood Though the heat was oppressive This should be over quick Engine men place their hoseline And Ladder ...

In this “Kitchen Table Debrief” I will finish the discussion of some of the more likely Hostile Fire Events you may encounter on the fireground. In PART I, we began discussing the most common hostile fire event, Flashover. Since then, I have been discussing this with colleagues and doing more research. Don’t worry; nothing has changed! I would like to address ...

The Worst Call: Nightmare Bank When people find out what I do for a living, I get asked the same question time and time again: What is your worst call? Many thoughts run through my head when I am asked this. What constitutes a ’worst call’? A parent’s reaction when I tell them their child has died? Having treated a 12 ...

Three years ago, Firefighter Matthew Long was expected to die after he was run down by a bus as he biked to work during the city's transit strike. Dozens of surgeries and hundreds of hours of therapy later, a determined Long learned how to walk again, one painful step at a time. His recovery is about to take a stunning leap ...

More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, residents enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They can be ignited by the careless tossing of a cigarette, an unattended campfire, or from natural causes like lightning. They spread quickly igniting ...

It is extremely important to have the capability of producing the best possible stream with the delivery appliance of choice. This, of course, will have a direct effect on achieving the quickest possible knockdown. Throughout the years most of the attention has been given to the handline. There have been several types of nozzles used with various techniques. All have ...

I can't forget the time I spent Putting out the fires Though I try my best, I never do No matter my desires I go to sleep and try to think Of nothing but my wife But I lie in bed, and live again The chaos of my life My shoulder aches, and I return To the night upon the ladder ...

Our Firefighter Tattoo Showcase article was a big hit, and we received a lot of requests from members who also wanted the chance to show off their tats and tell their stories of service and patriotism. Browse our second gallery of FireLink member tattoos and share the pride and honor of the fire service. View Member Tattoos Just for Fun: ...

In this “Kitchen Table Debrief” I will discuss some familiar types of instantaneous and near instantaneous combustion (also known as explosions and near-explosions), their warning signs, and some techniques for surviving these events, where they exist. On the fireground, the major antagonists are our long-time adversaries: flashbacks and overdrafts… NO NO! I mean flashovers and backdrafts. These two hostile events are ...

Have you been looking to purchase some new quality fire gear but just can't afford it? Well, we have done the work for you! FireLink has partnered with top fire gear providers who are slashing prices and offering FireLink members a special discount on their products!Don't have an account? Sign Up Now to take advantage of this great offer! Get ...

Firefighter tattoos have long been a tradition in the fire service. Whether it be the maltese cross, engine company or personal remembrance, these tattoos offer a tribute to the lifestyle of a first responder.Browse our gallery of FireLink member tattoos and share the pride and honor of the fire service. View Member Tattoos Firefighter Resources: Search Fire & Rescue Careers Firefighter ...

When I began writing these articles, I never expected the following or the feedback they would receive. However, ultimately that is the goal! To make you think and ponder. To be fair, I thought I would write about something a little different. When I am asked if being a female has ever been a detriment to me or my coworkers, one ...

Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. You and your community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into ...

Ten seconds is a very long time When that’s all you have to live Time enough to make your peace But not enough to give… To give your honey one more hug To squeeze her oh so tight To give your kids assurance that Everything will be all right From the moment I began this job I’ve prepared for this day ...

“MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! Fire Department Obstacles Are Killing Us! MAYDAY!” In this “Kitchen Table Debrief” I will propose some techniques to help avoid common obstacles when documenting SOPs/SOGs. Actually, some of these issues exist in more than just our documented processes, but this is how they most often rear their ugly heads! I have a confession to make. Actually, I have ...

"Every good painter paints what he is." - Jackson Pollock Take a moment to browse through this incredible collection of firefighter-inspired art. These amazing works of art are created by the hands of those currently serving in the fire service, veterans of the fire brotherhood, and those who give their time and energy to support our community first responders. Up ...